So, you’re scrolling through your local buy-sell-and-trade page, or your local craigslist ads, searching for maybe a new stroller, or some baby clothes for that little one that doesn’’t seem to stop growing. Then, you stumble across an ad for a car seat. “EXCELLENT CONDITION” is what the caption says, along with “Not expired!” It may be a great deal, a bargain, half of what that seat retails for in a store.
I like to think I’m a good driver. I abide by the speed limit, use my turn signal, stow my cell phone, and don’t drive when weather conditions are compromised. I have never been in an accident as a driver and I have not received any citations. I pay attention to my surroundings and limit distractions.
If you were in a car crash, whether it be a fender bender or something much more serious, (We hope you’re all okay!) there is a good chance you will need to replace the child restraints in your vehicle. While some seats follow NHTSA’s criteria for reuse after a minor crash, and may not need to be replaced after a minor crash as defined by NHTSA as long as all of the criteria are met, most will need to be replaced after ANY crash.
It’s a question that comes up with invariable regularity for a CPST: when is my child ready to move from a 5 point harness to a belt positioning booster? Since each child and each situation is different, we’re not armed with one set answer; instead there are there are a few things to consider in making this move.
Did you know car seats expire? Car seats have a lifespan ranging anywhere from 4-12 years. The expiration date may be stamped in the plastic, on a sticker, or you may need to calculate the time based on the date of manufacture.
Rear facing is the best protection for a child’s developing spine. Rear face to a minimum of age 2, ideally age 4.
The child passenger safety world is full of outdated information that has been spread by well meaning individuals. One of the most common misconceptions is which position the handle on a rear facing only seat must be in while in use in the car.
Wonder when your Little’s car seat is outgrown? Refer to your manual to check the limits for your child’s weight and height, and rules about how the child fits in the seat! Many rear facing car seats require 1″ of shell above the head – a 1″ tall book is a great easy way to measure!
Are your car seat straps in the right spot? Remember, rear facing: at or below; forward facing: at or above!
To know if a car seat’s harness is tight enough, it must pass the pinch test. Adjust the harness, then try to pinch the webbing at the child’s shoulder. Be aware that slack can be hiding in some additional locations: at the child’s hips at the child’s torso If you can grasp any material and
